I am going to come back with a bang soon: Shilpa Shirodkar

By Hindustan Times

Shilpa Shirodkar entered Bollywood in 1989 with Bhrashtachar. She had several successful films such as Khuda Gawah, Aankhen, Gopi Kishan, Bewafa Sanam and Mrityudand. She was last seen in Gaja Gamini in 2000. She was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for Khuda Gawah. Shilpa talks about her comeback.

You have been away from Bollywood for over a decade. Where were you?
Shilpa: After completing my last movie, Gaja Gamini (which released in 2000), I got married to Aparesh Ranjit, who is a banker. We went to the Netherlands for a year, and then New Zealand for two years. In December 2003, our daughter Anushka was born. We later settled in London, where we stayed for seven years before returning to India two years ago.

Has life changed over the years?
Shilpa: Life has certainly changed a lot. I rediscovered myself during my stint abroad. Now I am a fulltime mom and I want to be there for Anushka. We moved back because I feel that it is very important for our daughter to stay closer to her family. We want to bring her up with the same value system that we were brought up with.

Did you ever miss being in the glamour world?
Shilpa: I never craved fame. Honestly, more than missing the limelight, I missed being busy when I was abroad. It wasn’t easy for me to sit at home, having worked every single day since I was a teenager. So I did a hairdressing course from Winters Hairdressing Academy during my stay in Auckland, and I became a professional hairdresser. Later I decided to take up a corporate job and worked with Dun & Bradstreet as a credit controller for more than two years. I quit the job when I became pregnant.

Are you in touch with anyone from the film industry?
Shilpa: No, but I keep meeting Madhoo and Madhuri Dixit as our kids go to the same school.

Are you planning a comeback
Shilpa: Yes, I am going to be back with a bang very soon.